“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8

There is a simple fact that every believer must acknowledge in their walk with Christ, and that is this, you and I are not God. Nor are we little gods. Nor do we have the same power or ability to think and act and create like God. Even more so, neither do our words have the same power as Gods words. The simple fact is, man is a creation of God, made a little above the angels itself, without the ability nor power to imitate God in action or in deeds, or in this case – words. The truth is, our words are not on the same level as God almighty and have virtually no power within themselves. In other words, when we speak nothing happens, but when God speaks everything happens, because he’s God and we’re not.

Yet there is a teaching which has gained prominence within the Charismatic/Pentecostal circles by suggesting that not only are we little gods, not only can we duplicate what God can do, we can equally speak things as a god and see those words literally transform nothing into something. It is called Positive Affirmation, or what is generally referred to by some as the power within the tongue. The belief is very simple, and very dangerous, but it goes something like this; A believer has a special need (money, health, career change, relationship, etc.) and they desire this with great fervor, but they don’t know how to bring it to pass. The answer? Simply speak it into existence. Sounds far fetched right? Yet if the truth be told, there are millions of Christians within the Charismatic/Pentecostal circles who have bought into this lie that says if one desires to change their circumstances in life, all one has to do is simply speak it into being and it will come. The problem is that it never works.

Teachers such as Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Jesse Duplantis and a boatload of others, have made millions of dollars in book sales all in trying to convince an unsuspecting Christian that they have the power within themselves to speak something out of nothing and gain whatever they want. The problem is, A) It’s not scriptural, and B) It’s not possible. To be clear, Jesus told us that if we followed him, that we too could (and would) perform miracles – but as the Spirit leads. The fact remains that while the gifts of the Holy Spirit are valid today (1 Corinthians chapter 12), the ability to just speak something is not only foolish, or unscriptural, it was never taught by the early church leaders, or Christ himself.

Believe it or not, the Positive Confession movement has no actual basis within the early church, nor was it rooted at all within modern or even past Christian teachings, it literally came from the occult world and went by another title, The Law of Attraction. This occult method is standard 101 information for anyone involved in the secret world of witchcraft and sorcery. The idea is simple, whatever you are attracted to, or desire, all you have to do is channel the strong desire within your mind to receive it, and by doing so, you can have it. This method has been utilized for hundreds, if not thousands of years by those who perform the dark arts of gaining whatever they desire. The problem with the confession, speaking it into existence, law of attraction is, it’s tapping into the spiritual realm, and certainly not what is of God.

It is amazing that when we examine the teachings and ideas promoted by a select few who claim to receive a revelation from God that is never based on the word of God, we begin to see its true source – Satan. Yet this is exactly the facts as it relates to the Positive Confession movement that has unfortunately polluted the church world today. From its roots from the early druids and pagans, the teaching of the Law of Attraction remains to this day the tool by which some within the modern church world has cleverly utilized which would deceive many by its false teachings. One would think that if they understood that ours is not to simply call forth everything into being that it would become true, nor by simply suggesting that if one merely spoke something by faith that it would happen. The truth is, God desires us to pray his will for whatever we need, not ours. This is the problem of self, it does not desire to submit to God’s perfect plan, but instead, rely on self and self desires (money, material things) to gain something simply by declaring it so. It’s all a clever ruse to blind the believer to a belief that he or she is able to do things on a thought, or word, and not rely on God’s word.

So how did this particular teaching come into the church today?

His name was E.W. Kenyon. Kenyon was born on April 25, 1867. He was introduced to the faith from the Methodist movement of that particular time. It was there he was introduced to the early teachings of the New Thought movement, and subsequently became aware of this new teaching which stated that if one speaks something, one will receive something, all by faith. Kenyon would go on to become affiliated with the growing Pentecostal movement which was happening in that time, the re-birth of the advent of the Pentecost in the book of Acts, and would find himself learning as well as teaching at the Emerson School. From the early writings of E.W. Kenyon, his works would include many gleanings from the occult world, new age spiritualism, and the Law of Attraction that would be taken and used by later generations, namely one Kenneth Hagin, who equally was influenced by Kenyon’s claims of Positive Affirmations.

Yet even though Kenyon was a contributor to what we now call “Positive Talk”, it has literally taken on a life of its own. But not just by the church world, even today, New Age teachers such as Oprah Winfrey, Eckhart Tolle, Rhonda Byrne (author of The Secret), as well as many more. This Law of Attraction, the ability to think and then say something into reality is not a product of man, far from it. The teaching itself dates back to one individual who said to himself “I shall be like the most high. I will place my throne above his.” – Satan. It was Satan who was the originator of Positive Confession, and it was Satan who went into the garden and said to Eve, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”(Genesis 3:1) For when Eve reminded Satan of what God said not to do, it as Satan who then presented a different way of thinking, “You surely will not die.”“For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5)

Satan presented a positive affirmation, which was literally the foundation to Law of Attraction with Eve. Satan simply said, ignore what God says, confess that you shall have great wisdom and great understanding and I will not die. In other words, think it, say it and believe it and it will come to you. The reality is, Eve did receive understanding, but it was the understanding of what God strictly forbid, and thus, because of Adam, sin entered into the world. Thus, the Law of Attraction, power of the tongue to say something into existence is rooted directly from pride. It is sin.

If we could simply say things into reality, then why is there great trouble in the world? If we can simply speak something into being, then why is there hunger? Or war? Or death and disease? If there is power in our tongue, then why did Paul, the great Apostle who faced many a hardship pray three times that God would remove the thorn in his side, but God said “NO!”, but that his grace was sufficient for him? (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)

The fact is this, our authority is limited to what Christ has given to us in his word because of the cross, and nothing more. Yes, we have the power (authority) to claim some spiritual matters as it relates to our faith, but it must always be found consistent with the word of God, it can never go beyond God’s word. If we pray his will, then we will find our will and prayers will be aligned perfectly, even if some things we confess or pray for do not come, sometimes God simply says “No” and we must learn to trust him regardless, for he knows better than we.

Jesus only gives us authority to do what he commissioned us to do – preach the gospel, disciple the nations, heal the sick, cast out demons, etc. He does not give us ALL authority. Nor does he give us the power to speak things into being simply because we want it or desire it, that is the lure of the garden and the tree itself that Satan continues to tempt fallen man with, even Christians, that if we think it and say it, we can have it. But God says otherwise. Don’t fall for this trap, but instead trust God, pray with faith with what he has faithfully given to us, the cross, and believe for those things which he desires, that souls be saved. Everything else will come, or not come based on God’s determination and plan, not by our words.

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8

Not since the stunning election of Donald Trump, have we experienced such a surge of surprises within the church as we are when it comes to false teachings and its messengers. Particularly in the case of the teachings regarding Dominionism. Dominion Theology found its birth through the teachings of one R. J. Rushdoony in the mid 1960s. An advocate for Calvinist, Rushdoony was the originator of the belief that says nations, particularly the United States, should forsake the Constitution as its foundation for rule of law, and instead impose the law of Moses in its place. Rushdoony was strongly hostile to the concept of grace alone for salvation, nor was he in favor of Christianity operating outside the spectrum of the cross, instead, Rushdoony believed and taught that the only true method by which the church could influence society was in fact through the injection of Christian law, via the law of Moses, into the political structure of American Government, thereby giving the church full control over every area of influence to impose Christian beliefs and doctrine. Under Rushdoony’s particular theological beliefs, men would not have freewill to live any which way he desired, this included any beliefs which ran counter to strict Calvinist theology, nor would the church operate by the gifts of the Holy Spirit as the early church did in the book of Acts. Obviously this would cause significant issues with mainline Calvinist theology and Pentecostal beliefs, yet Rushdoony believed that the central doctrine which would govern men in America would be Theocracy and not Democracy.

There are many branches to Dominion Theology; Christian Reconstructionism, Kingdom Now Theology, New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), The Latter Rain Movement; Joel’s Army; The 7 Mountain Mandate; Third Wave Revivalism; are all rooted by one foundation – Dominion Theology. These teachings have one common theme, that the church will take dominion over the earth, over all Governments, over all aspects of society, and begin to wield its own version of heaven-on-earth Christianity. No greater area of concern as it relates to Dominion Theology is in the area of politics.

When Trump was introduced to the world as a possible, but unlikely candidate for the Presidency, many scoffed at the idea that said he even had a remote chance of becoming the next President of the United States of America. Yet there were a few men (and women) who were voicing a different tone about Trump, and surprisingly, they were coming from well known evangelical circles. Pat Robertson, Paula White, Kim Clement, Lance Wallnau, Jim Bakker, Rick Joyner, David Jeremiah, Dr. James Dobson, and many more Charismatic/Pentecostal and Calvinist leaders were quick to align themselves with Mr. Trump. But why? Why Trump and why now?

While I cannot say with full knowledge at why Trump was elected, I can suggest that based on everything to date that I have seen, heard and witnessed, there is something spiritual at work here, but to suggest that God is the author of it would be wrong on my part, more so, I believe this movement of Dominion Theology is by itself part of the greater plan by the enemy to prepare the world, as well as the church, to some degree, for what he is creating, his final kingdom.

Dominion Theology is error, scriptural error. It portrays something different than what Christ told us in scripture, for it portrays the hope of the church not in the cross and our savior, but instead, it portrays its hope in restoration of this earthly kingdom – now. This is completely against the word. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world…”(John 18:36).

Dominion Theology as well removes awareness of the Lords return. It denies scripture as it regards the end times, twisting it to instead reject end times preparedness, and instead, embraces a more peace centered, revivalist themed worldview. This is one of the reasons why we hear so much about a massive end time revival, or a great harvest, or a great awakening, it’s all part of a spiritual deception to reject the word of God in favor of a more relevant, universal religion which incorporates those of other faiths coming together under one banner – unity. The Apostle Paul said otherwise; “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.” (2 Timothy 3:1)

Let me even more clear so there is no confusion on what Dominion Theology really is when we strip away the facade and see it for what it truly is – Religious Globalism under the guise of the spirit of Antichrist. This religious establishment, the people behind Donald Trump, the visions, the dreams, the call for unity among other faiths, the bridge being built between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism are in fact being led by the spirit of Antichrist. The church in America, and it’s embracing of Nationalism, its worship of Patriotism at the altar of Dominionism, is itself idolatry, and one the church needs to repent of.

Our mandate is the same as when Christ ascended until He returns: The Great Commission (Mark 16:15) and disciple believers from all the nations (Matt. 28:19). We are NOT to overthrow the governments of the world, take over businesses, or desire Christian world domination by taking over everything. Our desire is to influence society with the gospel, not become part of it. We are to be light and salt (Matt. 5:13-15), working until the Lord comes (1 John 2:28). What we are seeing however is a movement which is causing a spell within the body of Christ, and those who are under that spell have become convinced that what they are doing will be better for the world as well as for the church, the problem is, they are following the spirit of this world, and he and he alone has a greater agenda, to bring them under rule, for his name is Satan, and his son shall be Antichrist.

“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,” 2 Thessalonians 2:9

“It seems to many of us that if we are to avoid the eventual catastrophic world conflict we must strengthen the United Nations as a first step toward a world government patterned after our own government with a legislature, executive and judiciary, and police to enforce its international laws and keep the peace,” he said. “To do that, of course, we Americans will have to yield up some of our sovereignty. That would be a bitter pill. It would take a lot of courage, a lot of faith in the new order. Pat Robertson has written in a book a few years ago that we should have a world government, but only when the Messiah arrives. He wrote, literally, any attempt to achieve world order before that time must be the work of the devil. Well, join me. I’m glad to sit here at the right hand of Satan.” — Walter Cronkite

How does one go from obscurity to enormous popularity within the span of only a few years? Equally, how can someone come from a vague, not to mention mysterious past and become the leader of the free world with little political experience? In a more realistic world none would have reached such vast heights both socially, as well as politically in such a short time, yet one did, and his name is Barack Obama.

Since time began, there has always been someone willing, even appointed, who would fulfill the will of Satan to bring about his plan for a global society. From the fallen angels mentioned in Genesis 6:1-3, who by their very will, caused mankind untold horror when these beings left their angelic state to then corrupt the world to such a degree that God had no choice but to destroy all of mankind, save Noah and his family. It was only a few hundred or more years later that Nimrod took his rightful place as the first global leader, and convinced the people to come together and build a great tower, which in turn would be opened to the heavens. God had to stop man, as well as Satan’s plan for world globalism, not because it was the wrong man (Nimrod), but it was the wrong time.

Century after century, certain men would rise up and declare their goal for world power. Nebuchannezar, Herod, The Pharoh’s, Nero, Hitler, Stalin and Mao. These men, among others throughout the course of time, all had one common theme by which they walked and ruled – to bring about world order. Yet none came close to fulfilling that desire, regardless how much they wanted it, globalism was never within their grasp.

Enter the 21st century and one Barack Obama.

Barack Obama was born August 4th, 1961. Raised by a single mother as well as his grandparents, Barack Obama grew up under not so normal circumstances. Moving to Indonesia, he studied and grew up surrounded by life in a moderate Muslim community. Moving back to Hawaii with his family in 1971, Barack began to once again become familiar with life in the States. Throughout the rest of his early formative years, Barack Obama began to grow, mature and go on to become our nations next President. Yet the question remains, but how?

How did a virtually unknown become one of the nations more popular Presidents of our time? How did a man who had little experience in the political process, had no significant accomplishments while a U.S. Senator, and one who had never managed to show any viable signs of being a true leader of the free world? Past Presidents, and their life’s work could openly be seen. Yet for one Barack Obama, who never had the type of life of past men who have graced the seal of the Oval office, his life, his childhood, education, and political experience reveals something other, and that is why I believe, when we look at the now end of the political life of President Barack Obama and his tenure as our 44th President of the United States, we can see through his own actions while President, of why he was selected, and that selection had nothing to do with his political ambitions, or his globalist worldview, but something more sinister which needs to be taken into account, and that is, who is really behind his rise as the world’s leader?

There is no question in my mind that in another time and another place, Barack Obama would never have become President. Yet, in 2016, after two past elections, insurmountable odds, even defeating the Clinton machine, Barack Obama has managed to do what no other could possibly do, and that is to be become elected as this nations President. Still, when we examine how the rise of Barack Obama took place, it’s imperative that we begin to look past the natural, and start examining the spiritual, for this is where I believe we will be able to understand that Barack Obama’s rise was anything but ordinary, but destined.

In the book, “Dreams From my Father”, a book written by Barack Obama, he begins to relate to the reader of an event which occurred several years before his entry into the world of politics. A dream that Barack had which reveals something very significant when we examine the spiritual matters of men, here is that dream from an excerpt from his book:

“I finally fell asleep, and dreamed I was walking along a village road. Children, dressed only in strings of beads, played in front of the round huts, and several old men waved to me as I passed. But as I went farther along, I began to notice that people were looking behind me fearfully, rushing into their huts as I passed. I heard the growl of a leopard and started to run into the forest, tripping over roots and stumps and vines, until at least I couldn’t run any longer and fell to my knees in the middle of a bright clearing. Panting for breath, I turned around to see the day turned night, and a giant figure looming as tall as the trees, wearing only a loincloth and ghostly mask. The lifeless eyes bored into me, and I heard a thunderous voice saying only that it was time, and my entire body began to shake violently with the sound, as if I were breaking apart. …I jerked up in a sweat, hitting my head against the wall lamp that stuck out over the bunk. In the darkness, my heart slowly evened itself, but I couldn’t get back to sleep again”. [Dreams from My Father, 372.]

There is a multitude of information which could be examined in this one glimpse of what normally has been a very private life of one Barack Obama. Yet, with all his past secrecy’s, the limited private information about Barack Obama’s past, either past school records, or his tenure as editor of the Harvard Legal Review where nothing attributed to his time as editor was penned, let alone any thesis from his years at Columbia University, where none has ever been found, we see something extraordinary. We see for the first time someone open himself up, either on purpose or a miscalculated goof of a spiritual revelation by which a young Barack Obama has an encounter with Satan. It is in this moment that we can clearly see where Barack Obama has been chosen to set things into motion, and where Satan selectively appoints Obama on the road to political history, to which the world will never be the same. Sound far fetched? Not when we take into consideration that Satan, like God, selects those whom will follow him for greatness by promising them the world. It is here, in these pages of Barack Obama’s own words that he penned in his memoirs, that I believe Barack Obama sold his soul to fulfill prophetic destiny, and reveals to us, either by intention or simply an oversight, of how the kingdom of darkness works.

Either way, when we examine the dream that he had, there is no question that Satan had chosen this man for his own purpose. Yet, can we find any type of information which would tell us the how’s or why’s he was chosen? Sadly no. There are still some things that we as Christians are simply not privy to for what occurs between the veil that separates our world from the other side. However, we can say this though as it relates to how Satan works, he always uses those who seem to be conscious of the fact that they want something greater, not for merely themselves, but to satisfy their own lustful desires.

What little we do know of Barack’s ideas and opinions (what little there is) we can clearly see that his entire framework was crafted under the guise of globalism. I’ve written many articles in the past where I have stated without question that globalism is the key to building the foundation toward a centralized form of world Government. Yet it is globalism that he has devoted significant time to, and politically mastered that has made President Obama willing to go the distance in solving the world’s problems by giving the leaders of the world its only solution, a one world Government.

Globalism has been around for decades, even centuries, yet never until now was it even considered a remote possibility. Communism in the east and Russian fronts in the past made Globalism a dream that only futurists could perceive, but never realized. But fast forward to the 21st century and one can see that for the first time in world history, globalism has become the single most talked about event since man walked on the moon. Yet events, as well as patience had to work itself out. The fall of the Soviet Union, the fading of Communist China as a nation, only to be radically changed from the inside thru the reformation, have all but broken the barriers needed to bring the world closer to a one world system. Yet there are significant obstacles which stand in the way, and one of those obstacles happens to be a religion called Islam.

There is no question that right now across the world, Islam is on the minds of every nation on earth, and how to deal with Islam in this 21st century has become the sore spot of many a political maneuver. So how does Islam, with nearly 2 billion devotees to this sect become mingled under the umbrella of Globalist idealism, which goes strictly against the tenants of the teachings of Islam? Bring in one Barack Obama.

Isn’t it interesting that the one person who grew up as a young boy in Indonesia, who has stated many times over of his love for the sound of the call to prayer, who respects and even supports Islam and its many followers, isn’t it interesting that it is Barack Obama, the Globalist, who is the very one that is bridging the gap between the Muslim world and the modernized world? If there was ever a significant sign that someone has been called, even anointed to play a major part in the socialized order of the world, it is in fact Barack Obama.

This is why it is my opinion that President Obama was in fact selected, either through the channels of the most powerful elite, or he was by-passed altogether at the start by Satan himself, for whatever reason in Barack’s own personal life, and established to run this course to begin laying the foundations of the world for a coming world order. And he is succeeding.

I firmly believe that Barack was indeed called and chosen to set the world on the path toward a future one world Government. His past eight years as President have shown that his #1 agenda has always been (besides gay rights initiatives which take a close second) to bring about a globalization of all the world’s resources, which include its economic policies, its social welfare, and even religion – especially religion. And while I make no pretense to suggest that President Obama is the antichrist – he isn’t. I do believe, due to many attributes surrounding him, that Satan has, for whatever purpose and plan, chose this man to do what no other man (or woman) could do right now, successfully demonstrate that Globalism should not be rebuffed, but embraced, and the world is actually listening.

The truth is when we look at the character of President Obama – the man, he is a likeable person, people just simply like him. They find him charismatic, enjoyable and even intellectually sound, but the reality is, people like Barack Obama because he has a spirit of one who knows how to entice those who come into his presence. This is a significant trait of someone who could be used by God, or by Satan, and we can see, thru his own efforts, that God is not leading this man, but Satan is. Which is why I firmly believe President Obama knows exactly what he’s doing and why, because of the spirit that is leading him.

Still, when we examine him and his ideas, we see that in another time or another place, Barack Obama would never have gotten this far had it not been for a point in times past that Satan skillfully began the process of grooming this particular man for service, whether he was a willing participant or not is unknown, however, there is no question that by Barack’s own admission in his own writing, his very words suggest that Satan did in fact come to him, he did in fact tell him that it “was time”, and that somehow, in some political miracle, he overcame obstacles that seasoned Politicians could not overcome, yet he did, without any shot being fired, and without any major backers in Washington, Barack Obama did the impossible, and to that we need to consider the real possibility that he does in fact represent a terrible glimpse of what is coming – the leader of the entire world called antichrist.

“This will keep America on its toes. America is going to have to compete. There is going to be a tug-of-war within the US between those who see globalization as a threat and those who accept we live in a open integrated world, which has challenges and opportunities.” –President Barack Obama

I’ve only seen the Howard Stern Show maybe once in my lifetime, and once was enough to know that it was nothing but trash radio/T.V. Yet the thought came to me the other day about this particular person and the Lord, which was this; If Jesus had come today, in our time instead of 2,000 years ago and started his ministry, would he sit and talk to Howard Stern on his program?

Today I am confused and bothered by the lack of commitment the church has for the lost. It seems that the only way we can reach the lost is supporting others who actively engage the areas where the lost are, yet refusing to go themselves. In other words, we seem (speaking about the American church culture) to have become settled, even safe in our own world of our securely built sanctuary walled cities. Yet is that were the church should be? Or should the church be active in the streets of our world?

So this goes back to my original question, Would Jesus go on the Howard Stern Show if he was here today beginning his ministry? I believe he would. Some would dare scoff at such a notion, claiming that Jesus Christ, the son of God would never sit in the same building, much less the same room with such likes of Howard Stern, a man who made a career out of sexual perversion. Yet it’s exactly the qualities by which Jesus himself would seek to reach. For Christ did not come for the healthy, who needed no savior, he came for the sick. (Mark 2:17)

Would Jesus really do that though? Would he really sit and talk to Howard Stern? Absolutely. Because God loves Howard Stern as much as he loves you and I. The problem is, the church has made it nearly impossible to reach the sinner where the sinner is, because the church continues to refrain from reaching the world with the gospel because it’s too busy either playing church, or condemning the lost to begin with.

Yet that is the nature of Christ – loving others. Jesus in fact did do something in his day and time which we can directly relate to someone like Howard Stern, it was Publicans and a Samaritan woman. The rule of law set by the Jews concerning Publicans were strict – they (the Jews) hated Publicans because of their nature for taxes implemented by Rome. The Samaritan woman was part of the Samaritan sect, who were considered by Jews as dogs, worthless and reviled by every Jew alive during this period of time. For Jesus to actually sit and speak to this particular Samaritan woman was indeed shocking to his disciples, but equally enraged the Jewish leaders. Yet it proved that Christ came to save mankind, not condemn it.

If the church is going to reach the lost in this last period of time before the end comes, it must begin to unlearn the many hindrances it has built up over the many decades of religious intolerance to those whom it has selectively sought to refrain from connecting with, and begin to reach out to them in a genuine love which can only be demonstrated by telling them the reason why God loved them, why he died for them, and why he wants to have a relationship with them. Our message is not of condemnation, but of redemption. Our message is not one of intolerance for the stripper, the prostitute, the lesbian or the murderer or thief, it is one of love, by showing them the only solution to their sinful state – the cross. Yet too many times, we as believers, have demonstrated a resistance when desiring to reach the masses with the gospel. Yet the truth is, the lost are not in the church house, but in the clubs, the bars, the alleyways, the strip clubs and the inner cities. That is our mission field, be it the rice patties of Thailand, or the streets of Chicago, the gospel must be reached unto all nations as a witness, then shall the end come.

Until we stop doing church the way we’ve done it these past few decades, and begin to truly see the lost around us in every aspect of our lives, we will never reach them the way Jesus would have. They will continue on their blinded ways, enticed by the sin they so eagerly desire. But if we have the heart of the master, and see them as Christ sees them, then only can we reach them with the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is our mandate, and why Howard Stern matters, because his soul matters.

“And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.” (2 Thessalonians 2:8)

For decades, even centuries, men have been trying in vain to discover who the coming man of sin shall be, and what his name is. They have labored in such fervor, relentless in their pursuit of identifying the evil one, touting possible names such as Ronald Reagan, Henry Kissinger, George W. Bush, and many more, all attempting to solve one of the more intriguing mysteries this side of heaven. Yet with all of their fervor, all of their dedication in summoning something, anything that would reveal to the world, as well as the church, exactly who the coming man of sin is, they have failed to understand, nor even grasp that chances are, they will never know – until it’s too late. And for good reason, maybe they were never meant to in the first place?

It’s actually hard to fathom to think about, but there are two glaring possibilities at play that we need to keep in mind when we dwell on the prophetic future, especially to that which pertains to such events which will change the world as we know it; That one, God has purposely hid the future dark King from being recognized, and second (and very telling to say the least) is that the church won’t even know, nor even recognize him at all when he does appear onto the world stage!

Still, when we examine the word of God, it clearly states who this being is, as well as gives us his name, but shall the evil one go under his given name by which he continues to reign in the bottomless pit? Or shall he take upon himself a more human name, yet keeping his full identity in secrecy? We truly don’t know the full answer to this question, however, when we read scripture upon scripture, we know this, #1, He won’t be revealed until his time has been allotted. #2, He will not come in his own name, but by something else. Yet what bothers me more is the fact that when we study out the word, it’s not so much that God withholds this vital piece of information from us when that day arrives, it’s more that we won’t know when he comes because we will be so deluded by the cares of this life that virtually no one will even catch it until it’s too late. Don’t believe me? Ask those German’s who are still alive today who watched with amazement of the rise of one Adolf Hitler and then ask them, “Why didn’t you know? Couldn’t you see it?” Their answer will astonish you.

There is a very remarkable scene, actually it plays itself out throughout the entire film in “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” in which Anakin Skywalker becomes Lord Vador. In one pivotal scene, where Anakin discovers the truth about Senator Palpatine, that he is in fact a dark Sith – Lord Sidious. That Anakin realizes, but all too late, that the Jedi council, as well as the Senate, has been seduced, even blinded by this powerful dark being, that none of the Jedi even recognized who he truly was. That was the power of the dark side.

Although a fictional movie, there is still very much truth to this in real life. I had mentioned briefly about Hitler, asking the question many would pose to those still living who were there when Hitler rose to power, did they not know what Adolf was planning? Did they not see the darkness he desired for all of Germany? Why could they not see Adolf for who he was? An evil man who would thrust the world into a second world war, and cause the death of millions of Jews and Christians? The simple reason why most of the German people supported Hitler in his rise, as well as throughout the remaining weeks of the war, was due to his continuing promise to keep Germany, as well as the people safe. He promised them what they wanted to hear.

This leads us back to our question; Will the church recognize the man of sin when he arrives? And the answer is – probably not. The Apostle Paul mentions to us something interesting in 2 Timothy 4:3 “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,” It is quite clear from the scripture Paul presents, that at some point in the last days just prior to the return of Christ, and just before the unleashing of the evil one upon the world, there will be such a departure from the faith that many will simply no longer have any desire for the things of God, or they will succumb to the lie that will unfold before all the world to see.

Jesus warned in Matthew 24:11 that many will rise up deceiving many. In 1 Timothy 4:1 Paul says that many who call themselves Christian, will follow after [strange] false signs and wonders. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Paul warns not to be deceived by what is coming in the last years on this earth. Do you notice the pattern? What are Jesus, Peter, James, John and even Paul warning about? They are warning us not to be swept away from strong delusion in the coming days which lay ahead. Yet unfortunately we can see in our current world the modern church being seduced, entangled into false signs and wonders, charlatans, and the rise of numerous false prophets in this late hour.

This is why, based on everything I am seeing today, that the church, and those who walk in it, who call themselves believers in Christ, will most likely not even recognize the man of sin when he arrives on the world stage. Not because God purposely hid him from sight, but because our eyes and ears (spiritually speaking) could not, nor will not recognize the very one who will make war with the church in the last days until it’s too late. Remember, the Jews never suspected Jesus when he arrived, nor did his disciples, even Peter, the only disciple surrounding Christ, like the other 11, only thru the Holy Spirit, did Peter recognize who Jesus was. Even John the Baptist was not sure, even though he baptized the Lord, John sent his own disciples to ask the Lord if he was indeed the one who was promised to come to redeem man from sin. Yet Jesus had to rebuke Israel for not knowing who he was, and he had to remind his own who he was, why? Because they could not discern.

God help us to keep our eyes and ears open to what is occurring throughout the world, for while I suggest that the church probably not recognize him when the evil one comes, still, I believe, there will be some, like Peter, who are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and will immediately recognize him for who he is – the greatest evil ever known to man.

“Thus says the LORD: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them,” (Jeremiah 10:2)

How to be a Buddhist Christian.

There are attempts being made by some who have influence within the church to incorporate false beliefs such as Catholicism, Mormonism, even within the Charismatic camp, the word of faith movement is based on a false belief which says Jesus Christ had to be “born again” in hell. Which leads me to my opening sentence – “How to be a Buddhist Christian”. There are some who are now trying to incorporate Buddhism into mainstream Christianity and it’s becoming a major issue with those who see it for what it is – heresy, but even worse than that – demonic.

There is a subtly within false teaching that sometimes gets overlooked by many a faithful believer in Christ, this is usually due in part to either not faithfully testing out what is being taught against scripture, or the other due to accepting what’s being said at face value due to charismatic personality, or popularity. Either way, the outcome is always the same, people being deceived. Such is the case with breath prayers, which is apart of the contemplative prayer movement. So what is contemplative prayer?

Contemplative prayer defined:

Contemplative Prayer is a prayer of silence, an experience of God’s presence as the ground in which our being is rooted, the Source from whom our life emerges at every moment…. Contemplative Prayer is the opening of mind and heart – our whole being – to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words and emotions. We open our awareness to God whom we know by faith is within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing – closer than consciousness itself.

Contemplative prayer, in its simplest form, is prayer in which you still your thoughts and emotions and focus on God Himself. This puts you in a better state to be aware of God’s presence, and it makes you better able to hear God’s voice correcting, guiding, and directing you…. The fundamental idea is simply to enjoy the companionship of God, stilling your own thoughts so you can listen should God choose to speak. For this reason, contemplative prayer is sometimes referred to as ‘the prayer of silence.

Recently Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback church, tweeted the following as it regards to ‘breath prayer’:

Why would Rick Warren, whose well known for his ecumenical stance to bridge both Catholicism and Islam into mainstream evangelical Christianity, why would he incorporate ‘breath prayers’ into his teachings? Because it’s all part of a greater deception to lure believers into mysticism, and worse, idolatry.

Living in China, I am surrounded by paganism. There is no part of China where one can go, visit, eat or shop that does not involve open paganism such as Buddhism. I have visited many a Buddhist temple since coming to China in early part of 2013, and I have become very familiar with its teachings, and one of its beliefs and/or behaviors is what is called ‘meditative centering’. This is a state where the Buddhist comes into the temple, sits in a 4 pattern position and begins to meditate and pray for open awareness, the idea is very simple, one gets into a level of deep consciousness where they become, eventually, aware of the spirit world, and ultimately become one, in mind, body and soul or spirit. Sound familiar? That’s what ‘breath prayers’ as well as contemplative prayers do, they get the believer to reach a higher level of consciousness, this, in their belief, allows them to commune with God. This is why it’s false, because it allows the mind to become open to the powers of the air (demons).

When Christians, even spirit filled Christians begin to dabble in mysticism and new age techniques, they are allowing the enemy full access to their spirit, soul and mind. This will always lead to deception and ultimately being deceived. Christian yoga, Contemplative prayer, Breath Prayers, these are all rooted in early paganism, such as Buddhism. So how does one become a Christian Buddhist and not know it? When they allow false teachings to invade their spirit to such a degree that they no longer realize, nor care they are truly being deceived. Such will always be the case when one turns from Christ to something else.

“But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” Galatians 5:15

Nothing grieves the Lord more than how his people treat one another, specifically, when his people slander one another, or mistreat each other, or gossip toward those whom have done nothing wrong. Yet more and more it seems, I continue to see a trend among the body where groups of people (Christians) not only bite one another, but routinely devour one another, all for the sake of self righteousness. This cannot be. This can be readily seen in the recent deaths of those servants who have died in the faith.

When Jan Crouch, co-founder of TBN passed away, the news sent shock waves throughout the body of Christ, saddened by the loss of one of their own, many were words of comfort to the family of Paul and Jan Crouch, yet something else began to spread, and that something was pure hatred. For at the moment that news spread of Jan Crouch’s death, the internet, in social media avenues such as Facebook and Twitter, were filled with vile and venomous hatred at the passing of someone who had been faithful to the calling God had instilled upon her and her husband to spread the gospel across the world. A spirit of maliciousness had reared its ugly head, and once again it was clear to all that the body of Christ is more fractured today than it ever was.

Yet this is the current spiritual state of the modern church of believers today, where we bite and devour anyone who is different than us, has a different calling than us, or has been used by God more than us. No longer do we offer a kind word to another servant, but criticism, envy, jealousy and resentment shape and form our words when we speak of someone within the church. Even when we might disagree on spiritual matters such as doctrine or methods, there is no genuine sign of love toward our brother or sister in Christ, and even in death, nothing comes more to this truth than the current slate of comments and statements over the death of a servant than one who, as flawed a vessel as they might be, is subject to such scorn. Yet it’s not just the dead in Christ who see such animosity, but the living as well.

It seems to some that if one does not abide by their particular idea of how ministry should be conducted, the immediate response is public ridicule and scorn. Yet we see this more and more by many who declare that what another believer is doing is not in line with their theology, and thus, is open to public rebuke, or worse, questions their salvation altogether. Think this is limited to our time and day now? Think again. Jesus had to deal with this even in his day.

In Luke chapter 9, we see something occur that Jesus had to quickly deal with and stop, the seeds of jealousy beginning to be planted in the hearts of several of his own disciples. An argument had begun within the group of 12 over who would be greatest among them, they had taken to heart (wrongly) the notion that they would reign and rule with Christ in heaven. They did not understand at that particular time what Jesus was referring to, as his kingdom was a kingdom of all men and women who would rule and reign with the Lord. Yet these same men who walked with the Lord, ate with the Lord, heard the words of Jesus, these same men called to be his disciples, began to position themselves as to who would be the greater of them and over them. No doubt this caused feelings of animosity and hurt among the twelve, as many were vying for power. Jesus would have none of it. This is why the Lord quickly saw what was going on within their hearts and minds, and began to teach them that the kingdom of God must be understood in the concept of the mind of a child. Humility, love and innocence were the attributes of a follower of Christ, not political maneuvering.

Still, this would not be the last Jesus would have to once again deal with bickering and backbiting (devouring) among his faithful 12. (Matthew 20:21) Yet 2,000 years later, the church is more divided, more resentful, more envious of others than ever before, and how we treat one another is exactly how we will be judged when we stand before God. Understand, it’s one thing to challenge false doctrines and/or those who might teach error, it’s quite another thing altogether to cast away those whom are in Christ for the sake of conformity. Yet more and more, many are biting and devouring others simply out of spite, jealousy and/or greed, and even to be right. This is wrong.

Paul outlined in 1 Corinthians 13 the characteristics of the fruit of the spirit, which is LOVE. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have no charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” (verse 1) If we have no love for one another, then can we truly say we belong to him who loves us? The word says otherwise. The word makes it clear that if we do not love our brother or sister, then we are not his at all, for how can we love God and follow Christ if we do not show that same love toward our own? Biting and devouring others might make our flesh and ego full and content, but it by no means is a type of fruit of the spirit, but in reality, it is a sign one has strayed from the cross. If we cannot love one another, following in the steps of Christ, then we cannot love the sinner who needs Christ. For if we are not capable of loving those who are his, how can we love those who are without him? We can’t.

I remind us all of the words of Paul in this matter of love, “Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; Love vaunts not itself, is not puffed up. Does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil. Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails: but whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” (verses 4-10)

Let us begin to love one another, not bite and devour one another, for then by this doing, shall the world know in whom we belong.